Konstantin Chmarov became the head of the coordination center for the construction of the Vostochny cosmodrome. Konstantin Chmarov: “Yes, there are shortcomings during the construction of the cosmodrome, but this is a normal working disorder

At the VNIIEM corporation, Chmarov became director of ground-based space infrastructure for two cosmodromes - Vostochny and Plesetsk. Thus, the range of his responsibilities expanded. As Konstantin Vasilyevich said over the phone, he received an offer to change his job about a year ago. But he could not accept it right away, since he had to finish his business.

“It was in the summer of 2017, during the preparation of spacecraft. Such a proposal was received, and quite persistent. I said we would come back to the conversation within a year as I had things to get done. That is, such a planned replacement or, as they say, rotation among the military. This is a completely normal production process. I moved to the VNIIEM corporation, which manufactures spacecraft. Now I am focused on implementing a clear, powerful space program. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, I cannot say what kind of program this is,” said Konstantin Chmarov.

Chmarov began his duties in the new position on April 23. On the 20th, his last day worked as director of the branch of the state corporation Roscosmos in Vostochny. On the same day, April 20, still as the head of the branch, he took part in a video conference with Dmitry Rogozin, who heads the commission for the creation of the cosmodrome, created by presidential decree.

“Dmitry Olegovich knew that I was moving to another place. And the head of Roscosmos knew. This is an absolutely correct decision, and I made it on my own, because it’s no secret that in December it will be 10 years since I’ve been working here. In military terms, there was an order from the Minister of Defense - the unit commander had to remain in office for 2 to 5 years in order to prove himself. And this is already the 10th year. A person needs to change his field of activity, especially since initially I had a specific task - to develop and ensure the construction of a cosmodrome. The first stage is completed, now there are other tasks,” explained Konstantin Vasilievich.

Roscosmos confirmed the information and personnel changes. Genrikh Genrikhovich Orlovsky was appointed acting director of the branch. Previously, Orlovsky held the position of head of the department for organizing the operation of the cosmodrome, preparing and conducting launches of the branch of the Roscosmos state corporation at the Vostochny cosmodrome. As Konstantin Vasilyevich reported, according to plans, it is Heinrich Orlovsky who will become the new director of the branch of the Roscosmos state corporation at the Vostochny cosmodrome. His candidacy, presented to the management of the state corporation by Chmarov, was approved.

“I introduced him accordingly, he received confirmation of credentials and is running the branch accordingly. But I still have a lot of things to do in the Amur region. I remained the head of the eastern branch of the Academy of Cosmonautics. This academy attracts a lot of attention from us, especially from Yakutia, to student issues - that is, there are many issues that need to be addressed. So I won’t go far from the Amur region,” concluded Konstantin Chmarov.

As for launches from Vostochny in 2018, according to Konstantin Vasilyevich, no one has changed it before: two launches are still planned from the Amur Cosmodrome this year.

Since then, Konstantin Chmarov has served as Minister for the construction of the Vostochny cosmodrome. In July 2011, by order of the governor, he became Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Amur Region - Minister for the Construction of the Vostochny Cosmodrome. It has been a branch of Roscosmos at the Vostochny Cosmodrome since 2016.

Konstantin Chmarov graduated full-time from three higher educational institutions: Leningrad Military Institute named after. A.F. Mozhaisky, Military Academy of the General Staff, Military Academy named after. F.E. Dzerzhinsky.

During his years of service in the armed forces, he held all positions: from department engineer at the Buran-Energia launch complex to chief of staff - first deputy head of the Plesetsk cosmodrome. At the same time, Konstantin Chmarov received the rank of colonel ahead of schedule.

Konstantin Vasilyevich served in key positions in all formations of the military space forces of the Russian Armed Forces. He is a candidate of military sciences who brilliantly defended his dissertation research at the Military Academy of the General Staff, according to the regional government website.

Since the same date, Konstantin Chmarov has been holding the position of assistant to Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Rogozin. And he is no longer the deputy chairman of the regional government and the minister for construction of the cosmodrome.

The day before, he spoke via intercom with Dmitry Rogozin. During the conversation, Rogozin noted that Chmarov’s task is to exercise direct control over the construction of Vostochny from Russian Federation.

The creation of a coordination center is the next stage in the actual construction of the cosmodrome. It is clear from the name that his task is to coordinate all efforts. In addition to the construction itself, other issues arise, for example, the start of operation, supply of technological equipment, installation, staffing, development of a new city, creation of the foundations of a science city. We will resolve, in particular, personnel issues. So, in July we are waiting for our first specialists, Amur residents, who will come from Yuzhnouralsk state university. They entered AmSU, and later graduated from SUSU, - said Konstantin Chmarov.

In total, the coordination center consists of about 20 people. These are representatives of Roscosmos, Spetsstroy, manufacturing plants supplying equipment, as well as the administration of the closed city of Uglegorsk.

HELP "KP"

It is planned to build ten technical and support sites at the cosmodrome, which will house more than 400 buildings and structures. The launch and technical complexes are now being built, and general construction work has been completed at the main step-down substation. Road construction is also underway. The section from the federal highway to Uglegorsk is a third category highway with two lanes and a permanent asphalt concrete surface. The first stage of railway construction has also already been completed.

In addition, housing and infrastructure for the new city are being built. As part of the first stage, 12 residential buildings (6-12 floors) will be built.

Today, monolithic concrete work is underway on all 12 houses. In addition, construction is underway kindergarten and administrative building, - they say in regional government. - About 6,000 people work on the construction of cosmodrome facilities. By the third quarter of 2014, the number of personnel will increase to 9,000 people.

DOSSIER "KP"

Konstantin Vasilyevich Chmarov graduated from the Leningrad Military Institute named after. A. F. Mozhaisky, specializing in “mechanical engineer for the operation of propulsion systems and spacecraft design”, Military Academy them. F. E. Dzerzhinsky and the Military Academy of the General Staff, specializing in “Military and public administration" He devoted 32 years of his life to serving in the Armed Forces. During this time, he managed to advance through positions from department engineer at the Buran-Energia launch complex to chief of staff - first deputy head of the Plesetsk cosmodrome. In December 2008, he became the Minister of the Amur Region for the construction of the Vostochny cosmodrome. And in July 2011, he also became deputy chairman of the regional government. Chmarov remained in these positions until June 6 of this year.

He was awarded the Order “For Service to the Motherland in the USSR Armed Forces”, III degree, and has government medals and certificates. Major General, Candidate of Military Sciences.

On November 28 at 14:41 local time, the Soyuz-2.1b rocket with the Fregat upper stage and 19 satellites, including the three-ton Meteor-M hydrometeorological apparatus, was launched from the Vostochny cosmodrome. The rocket flew away. The question of where and where she is now worries many journalists and the population of the entire country. Today, Konstantin Vasilyevich Chmarov, director of the branch of the Roscosmos state corporation at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, will work with us in the studio via video link.

- Hello!

Good afternoon

- Is there an answer to the question of where the rocket is now?

Just guesses for now.

-Can you tell about them?

The assumptions are, in principle, known - this is the Atlantic Ocean.

Now they are already talking about an accident, as a result of which the upper stage with the satellite could fall into the Atlantic Ocean. Is the Atlantic mentioned because that was the flight path?

Ballistics, as usual, immediately gave an emergency route indicating the place where it was possible to find a cosmic body moving in an open orbit. That is, it is not closed around the Earth.

- Fell into the water - because there was no explosion either on the ground or in the air?

Yes, the explosion had nothing to do with it. Whether it was or not - everything that moves in near-Earth space along a trajectory has a corresponding trajectory and a point on the globe. According to rough calculations, this is the water area of the world's oceans, specifically the Atlantic Ocean. Assumptions still play a role here, but we need to look at this situation clearly and meaningfully.

Yesterday, two hours after the launch, Roscosmos assured that the space head of the rocket as part of the Fregat and Meteora-M upper stage No. 2-1 at the estimated time separated from the third stage of the launch vehicle at the expected time, and the payload - The Meteor satellite was launched into a given orbit, but then it wasn’t. Yes or no - why is there such confusion in information?

I believe that this is the cost of our openness. Everything is normal, flight tests are underway. We will now delve a little deeper into the technology of measurements on the active part of the trajectory, that is, the rocket launched on time. The rocket performed absolutely and with almost a 100% guarantee of high quality. The rocket's task is to bring the space head with the upper stage to a given point on the trajectory. At this given point, the three-stage rocket operated normally. Another thing is that when our so-called radio visibility session ended, at the end of the recording everything went as normal and showed good results. True, at the very end of the recording, the analysts saw that the accelerating unit had not fully worked, that is, not according to the cyclogram it was supposed to follow. Naturally, everything was standard and according to first impressions it corresponded to reality. The first fears arose - you see that the launch was completely open, all the information immediately went to the press - that perhaps something was wrong. If we had measuring instruments on that side of the earth’s surface, if we could see the orbit to the end, of course, it would be clear how the upper stage worked and what happened. Our telemetry information has been cut off. We waited for the time when the space warhead was supposed to arrive during a normal launch, so we had to detect it, that is, measuring instruments.

- Was there supposed to be a “dead zone” in time where you couldn’t get information anyway?

Certainly. These were private judgments that it seemed that the accelerating unit did not fully work according to the cyclogram, although before that everything was fine.

- You said that there was no data on that side of the Earth. What is this connected with? We don't interact with NASA?

We all interact well with NASA; by the way, its representative was present at the launch. We do not have our own measuring instruments that work on this space rocket complex and transmit information online. During times Soviet Union, in particular, there was a special large flotilla of research spaceships, which were named after astronauts. For example, cosmonaut Patsayev and so on. Now of these ships there is only one left, which is in the Pacific Ocean.

- It is assumed that the rocket fell somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. Could it have fallen on the mainland?

The rocket did not fall; all components of the launch vehicle - stages, side parts, fairing - landed in the planned areas: in the Zeya region, in two regions of Yakutia. But the space head part - the upper stage and spacecraft - their location raises questions. The first obvious assumption is that some of the devices burned up in the atmosphere and were destroyed. It is impossible to enter the atmosphere at such a speed and be preserved as a monolithic piece. There is dispersion, scattering of various parts. Perhaps there was an explosion in the atmosphere, because fuel remains remain, and nothing settles except dust and small fragments.

- There are rumors that the rocket had a 5-ton fuel container with heptyl, a dangerous substance. Is it true?

There was not a drop of heptyl on the rocket. Heptyl as a component of rocket fuel was filled in the upper stage.

- How many were there?

I won’t say the exact amount, but about a ton.

- Five tons is not true?

It is not true.

- Is it possible that all this spilled into the Atlantic Ocean?

It didn't spill. Fuel burns or explodes under appropriate conditions.

Protodeacon Andrei Kuraev accused Bishop Lucian of incorrectly consecrating the rocket. Whose idea was it to dedicate the rocket?

Firstly, this is the Orthodox tradition, which is supported at the Baikonur, Plesetsk cosmodromes, and, naturally, at Vostochny. The second launch, like the first, was consecrated. All rocket and space testers sacredly honor traditions. Secondly, rightly or wrongly consecrated, I don’t like that all the questions are on the same plane - fell, destroyed and all that kind of thing. Are you asking what is the benefit of this launch?

- Tell me, what is the benefit?

The launch task would not have been completed if there had been a regular launch, the cosmodrome was operating as normal, and we would have performed the functions of a carrier. There is a spacecraft, we must deliver it into orbit. When flight tests are going on in parallel, a state commission is appointed, the network continues to build up the cosmodrome and its infrastructure, and jobs are being prepared. For this launch, a workplace was prepared and tested for the Fregat upper stage. The cosmodrome is being expanded, modernized, acquiring a modern look, and can perform universal tasks. Secondly, combat crews are being improved. The task was completed excellently by the cosmodrome. Flight tests went excellently. The launch of the payload in parallel with flight tests - it has not been completed. You know that the entire history of rocket and space technology is connected, among other things, with accidents and even tragedies.

- If we talk about costs, then we are talking about the fact that the satellites are lost.

I do not deny that the parallel task - launching satellites and putting them into operation - has not been completed. Everything was insured; in this regard, economic risks will be minimized.

The working group at the Vostochny cosmodrome held a meeting to analyze the current situation. Is there anything new known? What decisions are made?

No decisions have been made yet; decisions are made by a state commission. The task of the working group is the maximum analysis of what happened: interviewing witnesses, collecting documents, comparing all the results of tests, checking records and logs. Painstaking engineering and organizational work is underway.

- Are there any deadlines?

There are deadlines, of course. I think today is the first one state meeting commission in Moscow will determine real deadlines. While the primary tasks are being completed, the collection of materials has begun.

- Thank you for agreeing to the interview, especially at such a time. Konstantin Vasilyevich Chmarov, director of the branch of the Roscosmos state corporation at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, was in the “Simple Questions” studio via video link. We found out what is happening now, what work is being done after yesterday's launch. We will follow the news. Goodbye.

In the coming days, the issue of appointing the head of the new Russian Vostochny cosmodrome should be resolved. The decision is made at the very top, in the depths of Roscosmos. As Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Government Dmitry Rogozin recently told reporters, a candidate for this responsible post has already been chosen.

According to the data, Konstantin Chmarov will most likely become the head of the Vostochny cosmodrome. He is well known to Amur residents. In 2008, Chmarov became minister for the construction of the cosmodrome, joining the team of Governor Oleg Kozhemyako. He knows “Eastern” like the back of his hand. He spends almost half of his working time in the construction site of the future Russian space outpost, far from the regional center. I am familiar with both the problems and successes of the cosmodrome.

The regional government does not yet know that the minister is going to be taken away from them. The decision will be made in Moscow. Konstantin Chmarov himself is now in the capital.

I am not commenting on this issue. The process itself, the procedure for appointing the head of the cosmodrome, is very complicated. And this is a matter exclusively of the federal agency, Roscosmos,” said Konstantin Chmarov.

We don't know any more than you know. Konstantin Vasilyevich will return from the capital on January 20, then he will comment on everything himself, he promised Chmarov's adviser Roman Litvinov.

The administration of Uglegorsk, the village near which the cosmodrome is being built, admitted that they would be happy with such an appointment:

Konstantin Chmarov has already done a lot for both the cosmodrome and the Amur region as a whole. There is a sense of powerful optimism in him. If he sets any tasks, they are always completed. And he has extensive experience in this field of activity.

I think that our residents would trust him with the right to be the head of the cosmodrome,” says Head of the Closed Administrative Okrug of Uglegorsk Marina Zenina. - By your own specific cases he has already shown in practice his concern for Uglegorsk and its inhabitants. I think he will manage the cosmodrome with the same care and efficiency.

DOSSIER "KP"

Chmarov – Major General, served in the army for 32 years

Konstantin Vasilyevich was born in 1958 in Leningrad.

In 1980 he graduated from the Red Banner Military Engineering Institute. A.F. Mozhaisky, specialty " Aircrafts", qualification "military mechanical engineer". In 1991 - Military Academy named after. F.E. Dzerzhinsky with a degree in “Command and Staff Operational-Tactical”, qualification “officer with higher military education”. In 2000 - the Military Academy of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces, majoring in “Military and Public Administration”, qualification “specialist in the field of management”. From August 1975 to December 2007 - service in the Armed Forces of the USSR (Russian Federation). From December 2007 to December 2008 - Deputy General Director for Systems and Facilities of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Research and Production Organization "Orion". Since December 19, 2008 - Minister of the Amur Region for the construction of the Vostochny cosmodrome.

Since July 7, 2011 - Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Amur Region - Minister for the Construction of the Vostochny Cosmodrome.

Has government awards. Military rank- Major General. He has an academic degree of Candidate of Military Sciences.

On April 27, the first launch of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle will take place from the new Vostochny cosmodrome. What is the main idea of the new space harbor of the Russian Federation, why the Soyuz rocket will be the first to fly and what problems there were during the construction of the cosmodrome, Konstantin Chmarov, director of the Roscosmos State Corporation branch at the Vostochny cosmodrome, told TASS in an interview.

– Konstantin Vasilyevich, what was the main idea according to which the need to create a new cosmodrome was justified, and why in the Amur region?

– The main ideology of the new cosmodrome is the possibility of pursuing an independent space policy, the possibility of access to outer space from the territory of the Russian Federation. The Amur Region is the most attractive and rational location for the new cosmodrome. This gives the region the opportunity to further develop and maintain its existing potential.

– What other points were considered as potential locations for the cosmodrome? Why did you choose the Amur region?

– Up to six possible locations for the cosmodrome were considered at the initial stage. Two are in the European part of the country, two are in Siberia, and two are in the Far East. The assessment was carried out according to 15 parameters, and in most of them the Amur Region was ahead of its competitors. First of all, the current location of the cosmodrome was chosen due to the fact that it is the southern point of our country, which makes it possible to launch payloads into space at lower costs. In addition, the region is rich in energy: the Zeya and Bureyskaya hydroelectric power stations are located here, i.e. the region produces more electricity than it consumes. It has a fairly developed transport infrastructure.

– Why did you choose the Soyuz and not the new Rus-M type rocket?

– Economics of rationality. Yes, it was initially planned to create a launch complex for the Rus-M launch vehicle, and quite a lot was done to design this rocket, but due to certain conditions, including economic ones, they preferred to follow a more practical path - to create a launch pad for the most used Soyuz rocket in the form of its modernized version Soyuz-2. This is a proven, reliable rocket.

– What changes have occurred in the project compared to 2007?

– In 2007, the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation was published, and the design was carried out in 2008-2012. This design period made it possible to timely make the necessary changes to the cosmodrome construction scheme. Some originally planned tasks, due to circumstances, changed. In particular, we were faced with the issue of import substitution and the introduction of stages in the construction of cosmodrome facilities. For example, the same airfield. It is needed, naturally, but it can be built at the next stage. We have Blagoveshchensk, and in extreme cases, the Ukrainka military airfield. Rational work planning and distribution Money made certain adjustments to the cosmodrome project.

– What unforeseen problems arose during construction?

– Due to the fact that there was close interaction with the government of the Amur region, the issue of land allocation (transfer of land for the needs of the cosmodrome) was resolved very quickly, and other issues regarding design and creation were resolved quite smoothly. The main problems that we did not foresee were the need for import substitution in the supply of equipment. Yes, life has improved us a little; we purchased our own Russian equipment. We did not have any other unexpected serious problems. The main problems arose, as is known, during the construction work due to the problems of the construction industry itself. The shortcomings were associated with the insufficiently effective organization of interaction between construction organizations, general contractors and subcontractors, the general contractor, the customer and the designer. The subcontractor, without paying the workers, left the construction site... No one could have foreseen that such situations would occur with normal budget allocations.

– Konstantin Vasilyevich, what position do you currently hold? Can we call you the head of the cosmodrome?

– Director of the branch of the state corporation "Roscosmos" at the Vostochny cosmodrome. There is an operating organization - TsENKI, there is a branch of the state corporation, which was created on April 1. The issue of creating the structure of a state test cosmodrome is being considered. This is an order from the President of the Russian Federation. Everything must be on time. A space rocket will be launched, an analysis will be carried out, and organizational issues that need to be changed will be looked at. The organizational structure is created for the tasks being solved when the need arises. At the beginning of construction, there was no structure at all at the cosmodrome; issues of creation and construction were decided directly by Roscosmos and the government of the Amur region. Then the Directorate of the cosmodrome appeared, then TsENKI, now a branch of the state corporation. Tasks appear - the organizational structure changes.

Interviewed Dmitry Strugovets